[September 2026] kubi2.0 finally launches in October. Kickstarter, seminar, and hands-on event information.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the recent heavy rains, particularly in Chiba Prefecture, as well as in Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. We sincerely hope for the swift recovery of the affected areas and for everyone to be able to return to their normal lives with peace of mind.
Hello everyone.
This is Christophers from iPresence.
In August, I visited the United States and had the opportunity to experience the startup ecosystem known as "Silicon Slopes" in Utah. I learned that not only in globally renowned cities like Silicon Valley, but also in smaller towns, many startups and entrepreneurs are gathering to create new industries.
And above all, what impressed me most was the sheer enthusiasm of the local people who are very proactively experimenting with new technologies, including generative AI, to see "how they can be used to create new services and value."As the world is about to change dramatically due to AI, I've come to realize that what's important is not just pursuing the technology itself, but how to use that technology in real-world situations and settings, and how to transform it into new value for people.
iPresence is a company that is actively working to implement this very concept.
On October 2nd, we are planning a seminar with Professor Takigawa to discuss the use of "kubi 2.0," which supports the learning and school connections of children undergoing medical treatment. We hope to take our accumulated experience in supporting children with chronic illnesses and remote participation to the next level with the new kubi 2.0. We have also released a new case study of telepresence utilization at Kuriyama Japan's showroom. By creating an environment where people can see, talk to, and experience the site even from remote locations, it is leading to a new customer experience that transcends distance.
And now, with preparations underway for its October release, kubi 2.0 will finally be entering the global market through remote control experience events and crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Can we deliver the telepresence experience we've cultivated in Japan to the world as a product originating from Japan? This is a new challenge for us as well.
On September 3rd and 4th, at the "International Frontier Industry Messe" held in our hometown of Kobe, we will be working on implementing "Physical AI," which utilizes humanoid robots and temi to interact with people in the real world and perform guidance tasks. We want to bring to life the passion we felt in America—the idea of "let's use new technology to create new value"—starting from Kobe and from Japan. With that in mind, we will continue our new challenges throughout September.
We hope you enjoy iPresence Monthly this month!
This month's featured news
[Seminar Information] Seminar on October 2nd: "Towards a society where people don't give up on learning, even with illness or disability" - commemorating the release of kubi2.0, featuring a discussion with Professor Kuniyoshi Takigawa of Kyoto Women's University.
iPresence Inc. is pleased to announce that, to commemorate the release of its desktop AI telepresence robot "kubi 2.0," it will be hosting an online seminar featuring Professor Kuniyoshi Takigawa of the Faculty of Developmental Education at Kyoto Women's University.
Professor Takigawa specializes in special needs education and education for children with chronic illnesses, and has long researched educational support for children undergoing treatment using avatar robots and other technologies. In this seminar, Professor Takigawa, who is at the forefront of education, and Christopher Chris Francis, President and CEO, will speak in a dialogue format.
The event will be held online on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Participation is free. We encourage not only those involved in education and welfare, but also anyone interested in the use of ICT to participate.
[Case Study] Welcoming international visitors in their native languages: Kuriyama Holdings introduces temi to its global showroom.
Kuriyama Holdings, which has group offices all over the world, has introduced temi to its newly established showroom, "Kuriyama Innovation Square." This system allows them to guide visitors from overseas through the exhibits in their native languages, streamlining the often-personalized process of multilingual support.
The quality of guidance is consistent regardless of who is present. By combining this with a guided flow design that directs visitors through the exhibition corners, they have achieved showroom operations that accurately deliver the information that needs to be conveyed. They feel that this presence is also a positive factor, as it "naturally conveys the company's stance as a global enterprise."
[Limited time offer: July 14th - July 18th] Experience remotely controlling the new tele-robot "kubi 2.0" from your workplace!
We will be holding a limited-time (September 14th to 18th, Japan Standard Time/JST) trial event where you can remotely control the new tele-robot "kubi 2.0," scheduled for release in October, from the comfort of your home or office.
This is a valuable opportunity to actually try out kubi 2.0 before its release.For those who would like to carefully check the video quality, we recommend accessing the site during the daytime. We look forward to your reservation!
*This is an unmanned experience for operation and video confirmation only (no voice communication).
Kobe-based desktop telepresence robot "kubi 2.0" to launch global pre-sale on Kickstarter from September 15th — iPresence's first global crowdfunding project. Rewards include donations to schools and hospitals —
iPresence Inc. (Headquarters: Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Representative Director: Christopher Chris Francis) will launch a global pre-sale project for its desktop telepresence robot "kubi 2.0" on the crowdfunding site "Kickstarter" starting September 15, 2026 (Tuesday), as part of its efforts to expand global sales.
This initiative marks iPresence's first global crowdfunding project, where it will directly promote and sell its products to users worldwide.
[Exhibition Information] We will be exhibiting at "International Frontier Industry Messe 2026" from September 3rd to 4th. You can see our telepresence AI robot "temi".
Our company will be exhibiting at the "International Frontier Industry Messe 2026," which will be held on September 3rd (Thursday) and 4th (Friday), 2026, at Kobe International Exhibition Hall 1 & 2 (Kobe Port Island). We will be showcasing our telepresence AI robot "temi" at the venue.
This trade fair is a major event organized by Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, and other organizations, bringing together companies, universities, and research institutions from a wide range of industries, including the DX (AI, ICT, and robotics) field. Admission is free, so please come and visit the venue.
